Thursday, March 13, 2014

Chapter 8: Communicating and Collaborating with Social Media

If only there was a way to incorporate email and text messages into the classroom.....

Oh wait there is! There are many ways an educator can use emails, or text messages as part of their learning environment. The book gives examples like using email to establish connections with libraries, museum, and other universities where students can pose questions to professionals and receive a knowledgeable response. Of course sometimes it might take a little bit for someone to respond but at least there is interaction between the students and the professionals. The book also gives an example as to how teachers can use text messaging to help students learn spelling. I didn't quite understand how that would help, but instead of spelling you could use texting to take a class vote or a poll about a certain topic that you might be covering in class. For example: Do you see technology as a hindrance or resource in the classroom? Text your answer to 22333 and within your response include the numbers 317609.

Hindrance or resource


Chapter 8 talked about the different type of online resources and strategies that could be implemented in the classroom. Out all the types of communication technology (emails, sms, discussion boards, teacher made websites, blogs, and wikis) the one that i thought would have more impact with students was the Educational Networking. In other words, social networking but for educational and professional purposes. Students and even adults are constantly checking or updating their social media sites, why not incorporate that concept into the classroom? By using "Ning" users can create their own social networks, whether it be private solely intended for students use or public where anyone can join. Teachers can then use this to use this to engage with students beyond the classroom. Teachers could also become instantly available to students by having office hours online. I know that that is something you see more when you get to college but you can apply this to elementary, middle, and high school. Of course the thought of be available 24/7 to students might keep teachers away from this option but you don't have to be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Teachers have lives you know. You can set designated times when students can reach you just like if you had normal office hours. Educators could also use online discussion boards, whether they be blogs or another type. The issue with this strategy is that there will be times where some or one student isn't actively participating. It is then up to the teacher to make sure that he/she is asking open ended questions so students aren't just answering with one sentence. The teacher must also make an effort to provide rapid feedback to the students' responses otherwise no one will continue participating. A Wiki is another great way to engage students learning. A Wiki is a website or blogspace that is collaboratively edited and maintained by a group of people. By having students create their own Wiki, students work together to solve a problem and discover key concepts for themselves. Below is an example of an educational wiki.
Ah Bon!



1 comment:

  1. You selected some great examples for using various communication tools in the classroom. Right now, there is a bit of resistance from some teachers (as well as some district administrators/policy), but I do believe that these tools will be commonplace in the future as connection is so important. You are right that the 24/7 concept does not have to translate to direct teacher availability but the web tools are available, so why not allow that access and let students learn when they want! :)

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